Pulverized Leaf Cigarette Structure

ABSTRACT

A pulverized leaf cigarette structure consisting of a smokable cylinder that is made of one hundred-percent (100%) pulverized leaf, such as tobacco or  cannabis . Means for applying pressure facilitates a quantity of pulverized leaf to be formed into a cylinder with significant structure integrity. Once the pulverized leaf is within the means for applying pressure to the pulverized leaf is compressed into the cylinder shape. The pulverized leaf cylinder is then removed from the means for applying pressure and can be smoked. An extract obtained from a flower or bud can be infused into the pulverized leaf to increase the potency of physiological reactions from certain types of pulverized leaf.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains substance smoking devices, and more particularly to a smokable structure made of a pulverized leaf substance configured with no wrapper or other covering.

BACKGROUND ART

Although smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products is on the decline, there are many people throughout the world who still smoke. In the United States and certain other countries it is anticipated that a previously illegal leaf product will soon be legalized for smoking or other uses. In some countries it is already legal.

One of the most predominant concerns of people who smoke manufactured cigarettes is that multiple additives, some of which are harmful to a person's health, are present in the cigarettes. This is also a concern for cannabis smokers in states or locations where cannabis is legal. Many smokers feel that the optimal smoking experience will occur when using a pure pulverized leaf substance without the need for any type of wrapper around the leaf substance.

Typically, a wrapper is made of paper, which is known as cigarette paper or wrapping paper, and is used to maintain tobacco or another pulverized leaf substance in a tube-like structure for smoking essentially. All manufactured cigarettes utilize a wrapper, and people who “roll their own” cigarettes also use a wrapper. The only purpose of the wrapper is to maintain the tobacco or pulverized leaf in a cohesive structure that can be lit and inhaled from.

It would be extremely beneficial to provide a smokable structure that does not require a wrapper or other covering and is made entirely of pulverized leaf. Optimally, the structure would allow manufactured cigarettes or cigars to be provided without a wrapper, and would allow individuals to produce their own wrapper-less cigarettes when desired. A wrapper-less pulverized leaf smokable structure would also preferably be made of one hundred-percent (100%) pulverized leaf, without any additives or chemicals, which are typically extremely harmful.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

Pat. No. INVENTOR ISSUED 1,073,422 Kattar 16 Sep. 1913 3,766,929 Roman, Sr. 23 Oct. 1973 4,391,285 Burnett, et al 5 Jul. 1983 4,481,954 Luke et al 13 Nov. 1984 4,691,717 Ikeda et al 8 Sep. 1987 9,032,970 Szarvas 19 May 2015

The U.S. Pat. No. 1,073,422 patent discloses cigarette made with a long-fiber tobacco filling in which long shreds of tobacco are arranged longitudinally, forming a compact mass within the wrapper. The fibers of a protrusion of the filling extend slightly beyond the ends of the wrapper. This protrusion is desirable in that it renders the roll or stick at the ends slightly less compact in texture than that which is directly within the wrapper. Thus causing the products of combustion passing through the other end to expand and cool.

The U.S. Pat. No. 3,766,929 patent discloses an apparatus for the production of a cartridge of smoking tobacco for a smoking pipe. The apparatus consists of a mold member defining a cylindrical chamber with a cylindrical plunger adapted for insertion therein for compression of cut piece4s tobacco. Each member has a central axial opening for receiving and supporting the ends of a core piece while tobacco is pressed in the mold member around the core piece.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,391,285 patent discloses a smoking article comprising a high density, relatively low porosity coherent mass of combustible tobacco-containing material having at least one passage extending therethrough. The smoking article is a cylinder having at least one passage and a plug of ignitable material in passage blocking position t one end of the passage. The plug permitting puff induced air flow therethrough. At least one additional plug may be similarly disposed at the opposite end of the passage or at an intermediate pint in the passage.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,954 patent discloses a method for modifying the peripheral conformation of a cigarette, which has an external, heat deformable, wrapper comprising a proportion of thermoplastic fibers or filaments. Heat is applied to the wrapper by a heat forming means moved relatively and in contact with the cigarette, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,717 patent discloses a cigarette that is covered with a sheath made of material which does not generate any appreciable amount of smoke when the cigarette is sucked but burns when the cigarette is sucked. The material is made of starch, agar, gelatin or a mixture thereof.

The U.S. Pat. No. 9,032,970 patent discloses a highly efficient cigarette filter in which materials of natural origin not used before are applied. The cigarette filter can be used for absorbing the toxic components of the cigarette smoke, and neutralizing the free radicals produced during burning of the cigarette.

For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

Pat. No. INVENTOR ISSUED 1,880,825 Corces 4 Oct. 1932 3,646,944 Banoczi 7 Mar. 1972

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

in its basic design the pulverized leaf cigarette structure is comprised of a smokable cylinder made entirely of one hundred-percent (100%) pulverized leaf means for applying pressure comprising a press or squeezing device are utilized to produce the structure such as tobacco or cannabis. A rod is inserted into the means for applying pressure and then a quantity of pulverized leaf is poured into the means for applying pressure. Pressure from the means compresses the pulverized leaf within. After the pressure is applied, the rod is removed. Additional pulverized leaf is then inserted into the space created when the rod was removed. With the space filled, a solid smokable cylinder is created. If desired a filter can be attached to either end of the smokable cylinder. Also, to increase the potency of the physiological reaction(s) of the pulverized leaf, an extract obtained from a flower or bud can be infused into the pulverized leaf in an alternate design, for greater manufacturing quantity, a hopper directs pulverized leaf into an extruding apparatus that produces an elongated smokable cylinder. Whatever desired length of each smokable cylinder can then be cut from the elongated cylinder.

The benefits of the structure are that either individuals or companies can use the inventive concept to produce a smokable structure. The means for applying pressure could be sold as a single unit to an individual for making smokable cylinders at home, or means for applying pressure could be adaptable to large-scale production of smokable cylinders. When used at home, a person can be sure that the pulverized leaf they are using is one hundred-percent (100%) free of additives and/or chemicals.

In view of the above disclosure the primary object of the invention is to provide a pulverized leaf cigarette structure that allows a wrapper-less smokable cylinder of pulverized leaf to be quickly and easily produced.

in addition to the primary object of the invention, it is also an object of the invention to produce a pulverized/oaf cigarette structure that:

-   -   utilizes means for applying pressure that is easy to use,     -   can produce smokable cylinders of pulverized leaf in any size         desired or required     -   can utilize multiple methods of manufacture,     -   can produce smokable cylinders from any type of smokable leaf,     -   can save a smoker a significant amount of money by producing         their own smokable cylinders,     -   a allows a person to know exactly what type of smokable leaf is         utilized, and to know that no additives or chemicals have been         included,     -   creates a more personal smoking experience,     -   can include a mouthpiece filter that is either also made of         pulverized leaf, or is a conventional synthetic material, and     -   is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's         point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present it will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an orthographic view showing a pulverized leaf cigarette structure (PLCS) made entirely of pulverized leaf and not having a wrapper or covering.

FIG. 2 is an devotional side view of the PEGS,

FIG. 3 is an orthographic view showing the PLC'S with a center bore.

FIG. 4 is an elevational side view showing the PLC S with a mouthpiece filter on one end.

FIG. 5 is an orthographic view showing a press type means for applying pressure.

FIG. 6 is an orthographic view showing a squeeze type means for applying pressure.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view showing an extruding apparatus with a hopper.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view showing a center rod inserted into the pulverized leaf.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view showing a hollow tube above the PLCS.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view showing a non-ignition first end of the cigarette structure, with indicia applied onto a flat surface within the first end.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best inode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a pulverized leaf cigarette structure (PLCS) and method for producing the structure. There have long been objects that facilitate the smoking of a crushed or pulverized leaf substance. These objects include pipes, wrapping paper (which is also known as cigarette paper) and, in the case of a cigar, a tobacco leaf wrapper. Rolled cigarettes became and are still the most widely utilized object for smoking tobacco and other leaf substances. This is because cigarettes, whether manufactured or self-rolled, are a quick and convenient facilitates for smoking. Many people though would prefer to smoke a leaf substance in a pipe in order to enjoy just the leaf substance without the paper wrapper.

The structure disclosed herein provides an alternative that offers the convenience of a cigarette without the paper or any other type of wrapper. The smokable structure allows a smoker to inhale only the leaf substance and to know exactly what is added to, or not added to, the leaf substance. This is important because manufactured cigarettes have multiple additives, many of which are deemed harmful to a person's health.

The structure 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, includes a smokable cylinder 12, and a method that facilitates the manufacture of the smokable cylinder. The smokable cylinder 12, which can be sold individually or in multiples, comprises an outer surface 14, a first end 16 and a second end 18. In the preferred embodiment, the smokable cylinder 12 is made entirely of a pulverized leaf 22 substance, as shown in FIG. 1. The structure that is produced can be a solid circular design, or the structure can have a center bore that allows additional pulverized leaf to be inserted therein during manufacture, or the structure with the bore can be provided to users to allow a user to insert their own choice of pulverized leaf or other substance) into the bore. In order to compress the pulverized leaf 22 into a cylindrical, cigarette shape, a means for applying pressure 26 are utilized, which can be a press type means 28, as shown in FIG. 5, or a squeeze type means, as shown in FIG. 6.

A funnel 42 can be utilized to pour the pulverized leaf 22 into means for applying pressure 26. The funnel 42 is either integrally attached to the means for applying pressure 26, or can be a separate component that is placed above the means. During this process the means for applying pressure 26 can be vibrated to ensure the pulverized leaf 22 completely fills the means for applying pressure 26.

Once the pulverized leaf 22 is within the means for applying pressure 26 a center rod 40, as shown in FIG. 8, which is made of hard material such as metal or plastic is inserted into the pulverized leaf. Pressure is then applied either manually or from mechanical/powered means, thereby compressing the pulverized leaf 22.

After pressure is applied and the pulverized leaf is compressed, the rod 40 is removed and a hard shell, of compressed pulverized leaf is left within the means for applying pressure. If desired at this point, to increase the structural integrity of the smokable structure, a binding agent (not shown) such as wax or an oil can be applied to the shell of pulverized leaf. Additionally, a binding agent can be mixed with the pulverize leaf before the leaf is inserted into the means for applying pressure 26.

A hollow tube 38, as shown in FIG. 9, can be filled with additional pulverized leaf and placed, above the PLCS. A solid tube rod can then be pushed downward into the pulverized leaf structure thereby creating a solid smokable structure that is made of two or more types of pulverized leaf.

The basic design of the PLCS comprises the following:

-   -   a quantity of pulverized leaf,     -   means for applying pressure having an opening, and     -   a center rod.

The pulverized leaf 22 is inserted into the means for applying pressure 26 via an opening and the rod is inserted into the substantial center of the pulverized leaf within the means for applying pressure. Pressure is applied, the center rod is extracted and a solid, structurally maintained smokable cylinder of pulverized leaf is removed from the means bar applying pressure.

The preferred envisioned steps for producing the pulverized leaf structure are:

-   -   acquire a quantity of pulverized leaf,     -   grind pulverized leaf to uniform consistency,     -   place pulverized leaf through a mesh screen for uniform size,     -   pour pulverized leaf into a hopper in an extruding apparatus or         a pressure applying means.     -   place a weighed amount of extruded pulverize leaf into a         polytetratluoroethylene (PTFE) extruding apparatus or pressure         applying means with geometric shaped openings,     -   place PTFE or metal rod into substantial center of pulverized         leaf surrounding the rod,     -   place cap over a center opening sleeve that is inserted into or         onto the extruding apparatus or pressure applying means to         eliminate pulverized leaf from spilling out.     -   apply pressure to pulverized leaf to compress leaf,     -   place compressed leaf in a heating means to harden structure,         and     -   Of desired) apply mouthpiece filter to one end of structure.

Alternately, a hopper 56 is filled with pulverized leaf that falls into the extruding device, goes through at least one form to produce the basic shape, proceeds through a heating element, is hardened and cut to length. The resulting structure is a solid core or a tube that can be filled and a filter placed thereon.

The above disclosed steps are one method of producing the smokable pulverized leaf cylinder. There are other methods and/or embodiments contemplated which can be equally effective for producing a smokable cylinder. For example, a two-piece means for applying pressure design, the pulverized leaf substance is inserted into an opening and pressure is applied. There is no center rod within the opening. Preferably a binding agent is utilized to increase the smokable structure's ability to maintain circular shape.

In another alternate method, instead of utilizing a means for applying pressure comprising a multi-component mold that is opened after pressure is applied, a mold that allows a smokable structure to be manually or automatically pushed outward from the opening and cut at a desired length can be utilized. This design could be made in a relatively larger size to produce a single smokable structure that can be cut at various locations to product multiple smokable structures.

For any of the methods, the pulverized leaf can be passed through a screen, which can be of various mesh sizes to allow fir uniformity of and various sizes of leaf to be produced and utilized. After the leaf passes through the screen, a binding agent can be applied to maintain the shape and integrity of the final smokable cylinder. Also, for any of the designs and methods is the components of the means for applying pressure that come into contact with the leaf can be coated with Teflon or a similar substance that will reduce sticking of the leaf to the components.

While a circular shape smokable structure is preferred, the invention is not limited to this shape. Any geometric or non-geometric shape structure can be created by altering the shape of the opening in the means for applying pressure. Also, other shapes that represent animals or objects can be utilized. The circular shape geometry structure can vary in wall thickness and length as well yes solid core structure.

If desired, to increase the potency of the physiological reaction(s) produced by certain types of pulverized leaf, an extract 42 or tincture can be infused into the pulverized leaf. The extract 42, as shown in FIG. 1, is obtained from a flower or bud of the same plant from which the pulverized leaf originates, or a different type of plant can be used to obtain the extract. For example, a tobacco pulverized leaf can be infused with an extract obtained from cannabis flowers or buds. Also, the extract infused pulverized leaf can be applied an additional layer of extract 44, again obtained from the same plant as the pulverized leaf or a different type of plant.

Typically, to infuse the extract into the pulverized leaf, a flower or bud will be placed into a mold and then pressure is applied until a concentrate of the extract 42 is produced. The extract is then infused into the pulverized leaf. Additionally, the flower or bud can be center filled into the cigarette structure/shell. When this is done the flower or bud can be initially coated with an oil, as well as layers of the extract, prior to being inserted into the structure/shell. Optional layers of extract obtained from an outer flower or bud can also be added. As an alternative, the extract 42 can be applied via a spray, typically from a manual or rotating type drum, or other method.

In order to create an outer layer, or to fill the core of the cigarette structure, any combination of plant material, including tobacco, cannabis, hemp, CBD, etc. can be mixed together. Or any of these plant materials can be layered. When the center of the cigarette structure is filled, other materials such as hashish, rosin or resin can be press-formed into a flower tube. The pressed flower rube can be extended in length on one end to form a hollow section that functions as a mouthpiece, either with or without a filter inserted, and loose flower material can be filled into any remaining space within the tube. The mouthpiece can be made of the same flower or bud material as the cigarette's pulverized leaf, or a different flower or h td material can be added to the bottom of the pulverized leaf mold prior to being pressed. If desired, a conventional filter or cotton can be added as a filter tip.

It should be noted that the extract disclosed above is primarily intended to increase the potency of the pulverized leaf. An additional benefit to using the extract is that the extract can maintain the structural integrity of the cigarette's circular, tube configuration.

To add to the utility and improve the smoking, experience for some people, a mouthpiece filter 50, as shown in FIG. 4, can be utilized. The mouthpiece filter 50 is also preferably made of a pulverized leaf 22 substance but can also be made of other material such as plastic or paper/cardboard. The mouthpiece 50 consists of a cylindrical tube that is hardened, and is dimensioned to fit onto and be frictionally maintained on one end of the smokable cylinder. The mouthpiece 50 can be utilized as a hollow design, or a smokable non-pulverized piece of leaf can be wrapped around a filter and attached to the smokable cylinder 12. The mouthpiece filter 50 ran also be wrapped in a cloth material such as hemp cloth, with or without a decorative element and/or indicia.

The mouthpiece filter can also be sold as an empty flower shell to allow a person to fill with a flower or bud of their choice. The filter, which can be a traditional-type filter, a glass filter, a wood filter or even just a hollow tube, is preferably attached to the cigarette by decorative branded paper, a cloth wrapper or held by an adhesive.

A laser (or other means) can be used to create perforations that allow gases to escape or oxygen to enter. A laser, heat-branding or similar method can be used to produce a design or other indicia 52 on the cigarette and/or a decorative filter tip, as shown in FIG. 4.

A decorative filter tip can be created by a laser or mold, and a mouthpiece, along with an insert can be assembled as a single structure. Also, a simple, flat component can be added/attached onto only the tip. Any material can be used to achieve this and a molded design can be made to any required length for insertion into the hollow tube. When the center of the cigarette structure 10 is filled, other material(s) such as the previously disclosed hashish, rosin or resin can be press fit into a flower tube. As shown in FIG. 10, the non-ignition first end 16 of the cigarette structure can include indicia 52 that is preferably applied by a laser process but could also be attached by an adhesive or other means.

In conclusion, it is also important to consider that the PLCS 10 is environmentally friendly. Since the entire cigarette is made of pulverized leaf, the entire cigarette can be smoked. There are no butts or wrapping paper remnants that are left to be thrown away or worse, discarded onto the ground. Reducing the number of cigarette butts that are used and must be disposed of daily worldwide could have a significant impact on the environment.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims. 

1. A pulverized leaf cigarette structure (PLCS) comprising a smokable cylinder of pulverized leaf without a paper wrapper or covering.
 2. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 1, wherein the PLCS is made entirely of pulverized leaf with no additives or chemicals.
 3. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 1, wherein said pulverized leaf is w comprised of tobacco.
 4. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 1, wherein said pulverized leaf is comprised of cannabis.
 5. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 1, further comprising an extract obtained from a flower or bud of a plant from which the pulverized leaf originates, where the extract is infused into the pulverized leaf and increases the potency of physiological reactions produced by the pulverized leaf.
 6. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 5, wherein the extract infused pulverized leaf is applied an additional layer of extract obtained from the same plant as the pulverized leaf, or a different type of plant.
 7. A pulverized leaf cigarette structure (PLCS) that is made entirely of pulverized leaf, without a paper wrapper or covering surrounding the pulverized leaf or the inclusion of additives or chemicals to the pulverized leaf, the PLC S comprised of: a quantity of pulverized leaf, means for applying pressure having an opening, and a center rod, the pulverized leaf is inserted into the means fro applying pressure via the opening, the rod is inserted into the substantial center of the pulverized leaf within the means for applying pressure and pressure is applied, the center rod is extracted and a solid structural maintained smokable cylinder of pulverized is removed for the means for applying pressure.
 8. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, wherein said pulverized leaf is comprised of tobacco.
 9. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, wherein said pulverized leaf is comprised of cannabis.
 10. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, wherein the means for applying pressure is configured for manual operation.
 11. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, wherein the means for applying pressure is configured for automatic, pulverized operation.
 12. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, wherein the means for applying pressure is comprise of a press device.
 13. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, wherein the means for applying pressure is comprised of a squeeze device.
 14. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, further comprising a funnel that is utilized to insert the pulverized leaf into the opening, wherein the funnel extends upward from the opening and is integrally attached to the means for applying pressure or is a separate component.
 15. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, further comprising a mouthpiece that is made of pulverized leaf and is configured to fit into sand be frictionally maintained on one end of the pulverized leaf cylinder.
 16. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, further comprising a mouthpiece made of plastic that is configured to fit into and be frictionally maintained on one end of the pulverized leaf cylinder.
 17. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, farther comprising a mouthpiece made of paper that is configured to fit onto and be frictionally maintained on one end of the pulverized leaf cylinder.
 18. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, further comprising a screen having a mesh of a selectable size through which the pulverized leaf passes to selectively control the size and uniformity of the pulverized leaf.
 19. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, further comprising heating means that produces heat that is applied to the pulverized leaf that is inside the means for applying pressure, wherein the heat functions to harden the leaf, thereby producing a cylinder with a hard outer surface.
 20. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 7, further comprising aa extract obtained from a flower or bud of a plant from which the pulverized leaf originates, wherein the extract is infused into the pulverized leaf and increases the potency of physiological reactions produced by the pulverized leaf.
 21. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 20, wherein the extract infused pulverized leaf is applied an additional layer of extract obtained from the same plant as the pulverized leaf, or a different type of plant.
 22. A method for producing a pulverized leaf cigarette structure comprising the following steps: acquire a quantity of pulverized leaf, grind pulverized leaf to a uniform consistently, place pulverized leaf through a mesh screen for uniform size, pour pulverized leaf into a hopper in an extruding apparatus or a pressure applying means, place a weighed amount of extruded pulverize leaf into an extruding apparatus or pressure applying means with geometric shaped openings, place polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or metal rod into substantial center of pulverized leaf surrounding the rod, place a cap over a center opening sleeve that is inserted into or onto the extruding apparatus or pressure applying means to eliminate pulverized leaf from spilling out, apply pressure to pulverized leaf to compress leaf, place compressed leaf in a heating means to harden structure, and apply mouthpiece filter to one end structure.
 23. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 22, wherein the pulverized leaf is comprised of tobacco or cannabis.
 24. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 22, wherein the heating means is comprised of an oven.
 25. The pulverized leaf cigarette structure of claim 22, further comprising a step of coating the pulverized leaf with an extract obtained from a flower or bud of a plant from which the pulverized leaf originates. 